CATHERINE.  He’s to stay here, of course.

FREDERIK.  The child should be sent to some institution.  What claim has he on you—­on any of us?

CATHERINE.  Why do you dislike him?

FREDERIK.  I don’t, but—­

CATHERINE.  Yes, you do.  I can’t understand it.  I remember how angry you were when you came back from college and found him living here.  You never mention his mother’s name, yet you played together as children.  When Uncle tried to find Annamarie and bring her back, you were the only one opposed to it.

FREDERIK.  William is an uncomfortable child to have in the house.  He has a way of staring at people as though he had a perpetual question on his lips.  It’s most annoying.

CATHERINE.  What question?

FREDERIK.  As for his mother—­I’ve never seen her since she left this house and I don’t care to hear her name on your lips.  Her reputation is—­[The rain starts pattering on the shingled roof.] Tc!  More rain ... the third day of it.... [Going to the window—­calling.] Otto! [Angrily.] Otto!  See what the wind has done—­those trellises. [Bangs the window shut.] That old gardener should have been laid off years ago....  By the way, his son James is here for a few hours—­to straighten matters out.  I must see how he’s getting on. [Taking her hand, drawing her towards the table with a change of manner.] Have you seen all the wedding presents, Kitty?  I’ll be back in a few minutes. [Pats her cheek and exits.

CATHERINE stands over her wedding presents just as he left her—­not looking at them—­her eyes filled with tears.  The door is suddenly opened and the DOCTOR enters, a tweed shawl over his shoulders, wearing a tweed cap.  He has a book under his arm.

DR. MACPHERSON.  How’s William? [CATHERINE tries to hide her tears, but he sees through her.  He tosses his cap, coat and book on the sofa.] What’s the matter?

CATHERINE.  Nothing....  I was only thinking....  I was hoping that those we love ... and lose ... can’t see us here.  I’m beginning to believe there’s not much happiness in this world.

DR. MACPHERSON.  Why, you little snip.  I’ve a notion to spank you.  Talking like that with life before you!  Read this book, child; [Gesturing towards the book on the sofa.] it proves that the dead do see us; they do come back. [Walks to the foot of the stairs—­turns.] Catherine, I understand that you’ve not a penny to your name—­unless you marry Frederik; that he has inherited you along with the orchids and tulips.  Don’t let that influence you.  If Peter’s plans bind you—­and you look as though they did—­my door’s open.  Think it over.  It’s not too late. [Goes half-way up the stairs—­then pauses.] Don’t let the neighbours’ opinions and a few silver spoons—­[Pointing to the wedding presents stand in the way of your future. [Exit into WILLIAM’S room.  The rain increases.  The sky grows blacker—­the room darker. CATHERINE gives a cry and stretches out her arms, not looking up.